More than 500 Western Cape businesses and export professionals have registered for a new programme that aims to improve their ability to access international markets and navigate export, customs and logistics requirements.
The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has launched the free Online Export Course in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA) as part of the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy.
A total of 518 participants have registered for the self-paced course to date, with more than 70 having completed the programme.
“Export growth is one of the most effective ways to create jobs and stimulate economic development. Through this free Online Export Course, we are equipping entrepreneurs and businesses with the practical skills they need to access new markets, grow their customer base, and contribute to the Western Cape’s export-led growth agenda,” said Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism.
The nine-module programme covers the export process from assessing market readiness and developing international marketing strategies to international transport services, cargo insurance and Incoterms 2020.
It also covers export administration, financial risk management, customs procedures, product classification and compliance requirements.
The programme is aimed at emerging and experienced exporters, SMMEs, business development professionals, trade facilitators and export managers.
One participant, Imbali Nature’s Crown founder and CEO, Alicia Somdaka, said the training had helped her understand export compliance requirements, documentation, tariff classification and accessing international markets.
She subsequently redesigned her product labels to meet export requirements and is preparing the agro-processing business for potential export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.
The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government’s broader strategy to expand market access and support export-led economic growth.
Freight News
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